Words / B2

dis-MAY/dɪsˈmeɪ/

Dismay is shock mixed with disappointment (often uncountable): to someone’s dismay; express dismay. Alarm is closer to fear; disappointment is weaker. Unions expressed dismay at an overnight rewrite. As a verb: dismay someone. Do not use dismay for mild surprise at rain.

Meaning

A feeling of shock and disappointment.

Examples

• “Unions expressed dismay at the overnight contract rewrite.”
• “To the dismay of parents, the bus was cut, which is a typical news frame.”

Good to know

to someone’s dismay; in dismay. Verb: dismay. Weaker: disappointment. Close: alarm (more fear). Formal news register. Uncountable in many uses.

New